@article{JordanBroeerFischeretal.2022, author = {Jordan, Martin C. and Br{\"o}er, David and Fischer, Christian and Heilig, Philipp and Gilbert, Fabian and H{\"o}lscher-Doht, Stefanie and Kalogirou, Charis and Popp, Kevin and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Huflage, Henner and Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Meffert, Rainer H.}, title = {Development and preclinical evaluation of a cable-clamp fixation device for a disrupted pubic symphysis}, series = {Communications Medicine}, volume = {2}, journal = {Communications Medicine}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s43856-022-00227-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299800}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Traumatic separation of the pubic symphysis can destabilize the pelvis and require surgical fixation to reduce symphyseal gapping. The traditional approach involves open reduction and the implantation of a steel symphyseal plate (SP) on the pubic bone to hold the reposition. Despite its widespread use, SP-fixation is often associated with implant failure caused by screw loosening or breakage. Methods To address the need for a more reliable surgical intervention, we developed and tested two titanium cable-clamp implants. The cable served as tensioning device while the clamp secured the cable to the bone. The first implant design included a steel cable anterior to the pubic symphysis to simplify its placement outside the pelvis, and the second design included a cable encircling the pubic symphysis to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring. Using highly reproducible synthetic bone models and a limited number of cadaver specimens, we performed a comprehensive biomechanical study of implant stability and evaluated surgical feasibility. Results We were able to demonstrate that the cable-clamp implants provide stability equivalent to that of a traditional SP-fixation but without the same risks of implant failure. We also provide detailed ex vivo evaluations of the safety and feasibility of a trans-obturator surgical approach required for those kind of fixation. Conclusion We propose that the developed cable-clamp fixation devices may be of clinical value in treating pubic symphysis separation.}, language = {en} }